Sharon Bowens

Evangelist Sharon Janelle Bowens, an anointed woman of God, fought a good fight, kept the faith, and finished her race. On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, she gained her wings. Born on December 16, 1954, in Lubbock, Texas, to her loving parents, LV Bowens and Pearl Bowens (O'Neal), Sharon's vibrant life was a testament of joy, family and faith.

Raised in Clovis, New Mexico, Sharon graduated from Clovis High School and furthered her education at the Technical Vocational Institute (TVI) of New Mexico. While her early days saw her tearing up the dance floor in a mini skirt and an occasional Christian Brothers Brandy-her life journey took a transformative turn in 1980 when she gave her life to Christ at a revival led by Mother Ruby Dickson. Sharon went on to serve faithfully under the late Bishop W.C. Griffin and Bishop J.L. Keith Jones, dedicating her life to ministry and her community.

Sharon retired after more than 20 years of service with the Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center, where she was affectionately known as "Miss Sharon" to staff and residents alike. Her sharp wit, compassionate heart, and ability to connect with everyone she met made her a beloved figure. She could run unit C from her seat.

In her church community, Sharon was a powerhouse of faith and creativity. A choir member and lead singer, she taught the Sunshine Band and Sunday School, led Easter and Christmas programs, and even pioneered the church fashion show. Nobody will ever forget that white suit that Bishop W.C. Griffin adorned during one of his catwalks. Sharon's passion for organizing Pastor's Appreciation programs and her drive to raise the most funds for the 'Bishop's Love Cup' was legendary.

A trailblazer in every sense, Sharon served as one of Bishop W.C. Griffin's drivers-a big deal because she was a woman! Her unique ability to rock a congregational song, whether it was *Crying Oh Heaven* or *Rock Daniel*, regularly ushered in the Holy Ghost during Sunday night testimony services. When the spirit hit her, she would not hesitate to yell "Hey-Hey!"-and take a lap around the church, shoes and hat flying.

Sharon's devotion to her girls was unmatched. A proud single mother, she often declared, "All three of my daughters have their Master's degrees." Fiercely protective and loving, she was quick to set anyone straight about hers-if the need arose.

She wouldn't hesitate to whip any opponent at Scrabble, old school Jaxs, or any board game for that matter. It cannot be unsaid that "Rise and Fly" was how she played Bid Wiz. She would run a 'No Trump' Boston on you and send you packing from the card table before you could warm your seat.

Sharon loved coloring and Western movies. Till this day, we cannot figure out if Gun Smoke or Big Valley took the top spot. She was a collector of beautiful things-porcelain dolls, African American figurines, butterflies, brass, gold, glass, flowers, and jewelry. She could shop till she dropped! No, Catherine's left unscathed. She was a dresser-always sharp as a tack. Sharon was a girlie girl through and through, with a passion for clothes, shoes, hair, nails, makeup, and lashes. Did I say CLOTHS? She loved expensive perfumes and proudly declared, "I may be fat, but you can never call me funky."

Sharon always had a side hustle. She hosted Home Interior and Tupperware parties and sold Avon. If you asked her girls about her Avon-Lady days, they would laugh and yell, "4," mimicking their mom yelling at the voice-automated system when it failed to pick up her verbal responses.

She could throw down in the kitchen. Fried chicken for church bus trips, meatloaf, and boy, could she Que a steak! But the Tuna Salad-touted as "the bomb" by anyone lucky enough to try it.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, LV Bowens and Pearl O'Neal, and her brother, Elvis Bowens. She leaves behind her grandbabies Jada 'Poo' and Devion (her little 'fat daddy') a multitude of family and friends, but most importantly, she leaves behind the three lights of her life, LaSheba, La Vonda, and Davonda, whose worlds will NEVER be the same...

Evangelist Sharon Janelle Bowens lived a life overflowing with love. She touched countless lives with her dedication to God and generosity.

Rest in heavenly peace, Mama; you were hands down, one of a kind. If we had a choice, we would choose you, over and over again.

A public visitation will be held for Sharon on Friday, November 29, 2024 from 6-8 pm at French Funerals and Cremations - University on 1111 University Blvd NE. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 11 am at Metro Church located on 4800 Lomas Blvd. NE.